Transfer Domain Overview
Domain transfers let you move domains between different registrars, Umso accounts, or sites within your account. Understanding the different types of transfers helps you choose the right approach for your needs.
Types of domain transfers
Transfer between Umso sites
Move a domain from one Umso website to another within the same account. This is instant and doesn't change registration or DNS settings. See Connect Domain to Site.
Transfer to Umso from another registrar
Bring a domain registered elsewhere to Umso for centralized management. This changes your domain's registrar. See Transfer Domain to Umso.
Transfer out of Umso
Move your Umso-registered domain to another registrar. You'll need an authorization code and must unlock the domain first. See Transfer Domain out.
Transfer to a different Umso account
Move domain ownership to another Umso organization or user. See Transfer to a different Organisation.
ICANN 60-day and auth-code rules apply to registrar transfers, while internal Umso moves follow Umso workflow requirements.
Before transferring
For transfers to/from external registrars:
Domain must be at least 60 days old (ICANN rule)
Domain must not have been transferred in the last 60 days
Domain lock must be disabled
Contact information should be up to date
You'll need access to the admin email for the domain
Transfers between Umso sites or accounts are initiated in Umso and complete after processing.
Transfer timeline
Internal transfers (within Umso)
Instant. Domains immediately appear in the new site or account.
Incoming transfers (to Umso)
5-7 days. You'll receive approval emails, and the transfer completes automatically unless denied by the losing registrar.
Outgoing transfers (from Umso)
5-7 days. After approving the transfer at the new registrar, it completes automatically.
What happens during transfer
DNS and website
For registrar transfers, your DNS records and website remain active during the process. There's no downtime if DNS is properly configured.
Domain expiration
When transferring between registrars, most domains automatically add one year to the expiration date (you pay for this as part of the transfer fee).
Domain settings
Settings like WHOIS privacy and auto-renewal may reset during registrar transfers. Verify these after transfer completes.
Never let a domain expire during transfer. If expiration is approaching, renew before initiating a transfer to avoid complications.
Common transfer issues
Transfer denied
Usually caused by domain lock being enabled, incorrect authorization code, or domain being too new. Check requirements and try again.
Transfer pending too long
Check your email for approval requests. You may need to approve the transfer at both the old and new registrar.
Website went down
DNS settings may have changed. Verify your DNS records at the new registrar match what you had before.
Related articles
Transfer Domain to Umso - Bring domains from other registrars
Transfer Domain out - Move to another registrar
Transfer to different Organisation - Change ownership
Connect Domain to Site - Move between sites